Stockholm, Sweden - 2023

"Pretty," King, ever verbose, remarked at the large cruise ship before him and Vincent Galvani, marveling at the luxurious vessel that seemed to stretch endlessly with its decks and port windows.

Vincent, adjusting his holographic suit remarked, "Yes, and very large, making it difficult to find our target. I’m beginning to see the benefit of running to a cruise ship when the chips are down." He flashed a playful smirk.

Gale's partner in crime for many decades, King, was dressed for a night out on the town in his tailored suit shimmering in purple as he narrowed his yellow gaze at the elegant and sleek cruise ship. His dark-brown flowing mane and muscular thin waist were accentuated by the exquisite fit of the suit. King's eyes darted around the docking area, taking in every detail, every vulnerability, every potential entrance and escape route.

Vincent, on the other hand, activated his wrist computer, scanning the luxurious cruise ship with expert precision. His metallic, armored battle suit hummed beneath the hologram-covered exterior, making him invincible in any situation.

Vincent, noticing that King had yet to move, quipped, "Now, don't tell me you can't sniff him out big guy,” he teased while reviewing the ship's schematics on his wrist console. "I thought tracking came natural to a lion,” he added, chuckling.

King grumbled softly under his breath, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. "Can it, Galvanized. Less talk about tracking Almaerifuh, and more finding…" His voice faded as his attention was drawn elsewhere.

"True," Vincent affirmed, "But first we need passage aboard the ship. I suppose I could forge..." Vincent began to explain but was interrupted.

"Don't bother Tin-Can, I have an idea," King said as he eyed a greeter inviting guests to board the ship. "Follow my lead."

King and Vincent approached the greeter, a sweet young woman with blonde hair pulled back into a neat bun, her perky frame covered by a red and white uniform that matched the cruise ship's emblem. King flashed his most charming smile at her and leaned in close.

"Good evening, love," he said, his voice oozing with husky allure. "Me and my friend here need to be aboard this ship. I mean to cause trouble, as I am a bad, bad boy." King's voice dripped with faux sincerity, a hint of mischief sparkling in his eyes. He trailed his finger down the young woman's arm, giving her a look that was both seductive and playful. The young woman, seemingly unphased by King's forward behavior, held his eyes with her crystal gaze for a moment before picking up a clipboard and pen.

"Name?" she asked coolly, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

"King," he replied, his voice low and sultry. "International criminal and founder of King Incorporated. Don't bother looking, we're not on the list that you are holding with those cute little hands of yours." King winked at her, his yellow eyes piercing through her like a predator stalking its prey.

The woman hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly answered, "I can't let men like you aboard... It would cost me my job." She finally admitted; her hushed voice shaky as she tried to regain her composure.

King leaned in even closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Then I guess you'll have to find another job. Perhaps one that requires less clothing." He winked, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

The woman hesitated for a moment, then let out a sigh of defeat. "Fine, Fifty-Thousand, and not a penny less. Even if I don't get in trouble today, I might later, and if word spreads, I'll never get another job in the Cruise Industry." The greeter negotiated with King.

"Pay her." King said to Vincent with a nod, not breaking his gaze from the blushing woman.

"Fifty-Thou... I could have forged our way aboard for free!" Vincent protested as he pulled out his wrist console to make the payment. "But I guess it's easier for big babies to just pay. Not everyone is a genius like me." He rolled his eyes, but there was a spark of excitement in them as he prepared for the transaction.

King chuckled at Vincent's arrogance, "You never change, do you? Always so sure of yourself. But sometimes, a little charm can go a long way. Crime is a people business after all." King said, his finger now up to her chin, lifting it and forcing the young woman to meet his gaze. Her breath hitched as he closed the distance between them, lips meeting in a passionate kiss. As he broke it, she remained in place, her pouty lips still seeking his with desire written all over her face.

"Name?" Vincent parroted the greeter’s words from earlier, raising a well-groomed blonde eyebrow.

The woman blushed, her eyes flicking between King and the pricey suit-enhanced geek. "Beatrice, Beatrice Larson," she stammered, holding up an I.D. Card, which Vincent scanned. "Did you need an account number, or anything?" Beatrice asked, her cheeks still flushed with heat from King's kiss.

"Nope. Check your account with your smart device. It should already be showing the payment." Vincent explained clinically.

Beatrice's eyes widened as her smart device confirmed the unusually large transaction. The anticipation in her eyes was plain to see. She looked up at King with a mix of curiosity and desire.

"You two really know how to make an impression." Beatrice whispered throatily. It was clear that the kiss had emboldened her.

King chuckled. "If I'm going to do something, I make sure I do it with flare, and passion," King replied, his voice dripping with confidence and a hint of arrogance as he handed her a card with a Stockholm address.

"You, you have a place in Stockholm?" Beatrice stuttered, trying to contain the flood of sensations coursing through her at King's words. She bit her lip and looked up at him, eyes full of curiosity.

"I have a place everywhere," King confirmed, his voice dripping with smugness as he looked at her intently. He reached out and retraced his fingers down her arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

"I won't tell a soul that you were here," Beatrice whispered, her voice trembling with desire.

"Oh, but you will. Give us twenty minutes, then call this number and tell them two very bad, supernatural men, are aboard the ship." King told Beatrice, sliding a business card with a phone number for Aura at S.T.O.I.C. across the table. "That should help you keep your job, and allow us to meet up later, so I can give you your true reward." He said huskily, winking at Beatrice one last time before turning towards the boat with Vincent in tow.

As they walked up the gangway, King looked out over the vast expanse of water surrounding them. The cool breeze blew against his face, and he reveled in the feeling of freedom it provided. The excitement of their encounter with Beatrice still lingered in his mind, but he knew their job here wasn't done yet. They would have to find Almaerifuh and get the information they needed from him before they could leave this ship.